Please log in

or

Register now for free

or

Choose your profile *

Email *

A valid e-mail address. All e-mails from the system will be sent to this address. The e-mail address is not made public and will only be used if you wish to receive a new password or wish to receive certain news or notifications by e-mail.

Password

Username *

Newsletters

Higher education updates from the THE editorial team

World University Rankings news

If you do not wish to be contacted about offers, products or services from THE/TES Global then please check this box

Autonomous response

In "The enemies within" (22 April), Anthony Glees appears to make an extraordinary and unfounded insinuation that the University of Oxford's external funding sources are affecting campus life. Those donating money have no influence over how academics carry out their research, what conclusions they reach, the content or topics of talks they give, or how the university sets its course content and teaching requirements.

Furthermore, the article's claim that the recent redevelopment of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum was a victory for "Islamic propaganda" is completely false. The redevelopment received major support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Linbury Trust, along with a range of trusts, foundations and private individuals from across the world. Since it reopened, it has received international acclaim from the media and the public alike.

As a general point, academic freedom and independence are core values of the university. Oxford is consistently ranked in the top handful of universities in the world. This would not be achievable unless research and teaching were rigorous, independent and objective.

Michael Earl, pro vice-chancellor for development and external affairs, University of OxfordChristopher Brown, director, Ashmolean Museum.

You've reached your article limit.

Register to continue

Registration is free and only takes a moment. Once registered you can read a total of 3 articles each month, plus: